Structured Reverses Using a Relay
Assuming that a reverse at the two level by opener shows 17+ points:
With a weak hand (8 or less points), after 1X-1Major; 2Y responder re-bids:
After (1) opener's raises are inviting at the three level, to play at the four level, and asking for the Ace/King/Queen of trumps at the five level (responder re-bids: pass = none, 1st step = Q, 2nd = K, 3rd = KQ, 4th = A, 5th = AK). Opener may show a strong hand by bidding the fourth suit or by bidding the higher suit again. The fourth suit, if a major, is a strong raise, but if a minor could be four cards.
After (2), opener's raises are as above. The bid of the fourth suit, if a major, is a strong raise, but if a minor could be four cards. If the fourth suit is a minor, then opener must jump in that suit (splinter...) to show a strong raise of responder's suit. The direct raise to the three level is _asking_ for a stop in the fourth suit. Bidding the "other" suit is forcing to game and demands a cue-bid.
Example: Opener A Ax/AJTx/Jx/AKJTx Opener B AQxx/KTx/x/AKJTx
Responder A KJxx/Qxx/xxx/xxx Responder B Jxxx/Qxx/KTx/xxx
Opener A Responder A Responder B 1C 1S 1S 2H 3C (weak) 3C (weak) 3S (D stop?) 4C (no) 3NT (yes!) Opener B Responder A Opener B Responder B 1C 1S 1C 1S 2H 3C (weak) 2H 3C 4D (splinter) 4NT (spade Q) 4D (splinter) 4S (signoff) 5S (signoff) Example: Opener Qx/ KQTx/ Kx/ AKJTx Responder